- What makes Turo insurance unique?
- What insurance coverage options are available on Turo?
- How does Turo’s insurance work with personal or commercial policies?
- Which auto insurance carriers provide insurance for Turo users?
- How to lower risks for Turo users
- Coverage for Turo guests and hosts: The bottom line
- Resources & Methodology
- FAQ: Car insurance for Turo
What makes Turo insurance unique?
Turo insurance is coverage for the unique situation of a vehicle owner renting their vehicle to others through Turo’s platform. Turo isn’t an insurance company and doesn’t write policies. However, it works with Travelers insurance to offer protection plans for hosts and renters that include liability and other state-mandated auto coverages.
Hosts and renters choose from a variety of protection plans that provide vehicle coverage in the event of an at-fault accident. However, coverage for hosts and renters differs:
- Host coverage includes reimbursement for damages up to the vehicle's actual cash value.
- Renters' coverage works more like a standard auto policy, covering liability (included at no charge to the renter) with the option to add coverage for damage to the vehicle for an extra fee.
- While hosts need additional coverage when the vehicle isn’t on a trip, renters do not need personal auto insurance to rent a vehicle.
What insurance coverage options are available on Turo?
Insurance coverage options on Turo vary based on whether you are a renter or owner. State-minimum liability coverage for renters and owners is automatically included, but additional coverage is available for both.
Guests can opt to increase their liability coverage by purchasing supplementary liability coverage up to $300,000.
Protection plans for guests (Turo coverage for renters)
Renters do not have to add insurance when they rent on Turo, as the company provides liability coverage and any other state-required auto insurance. However, liability coverage only applies to damages and injuries to others and does not include coverage for the vehicle. If you choose not to add a protection plan, you’ll be responsible for damage to the rented vehicle if you’re at fault in an accident.
If drivers wish to add coverage to pay for vehicle damage, they have three options, as shown below.
| Coverage by plan | State minimum liability | Responsibility for damage to the vehicle | Restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Decline physical damage protection plan | Yes | All damages | No additional coverage |
| Minimum plan | Yes | Limited to $3,000 | No coverage for interior or mechanical damage |
| Standard plan | Yes | Limited to $500 | No coverage for interior or mechanical damage |
| Premier plan | Yes | $0 | No coverage for interior or mechanical damage.The driver must be 21.Not available on all rentals. |
Protection plans for hosts (Owners)
Owners who rent their vehicles on Turo can choose from protection plans for damage caused by renters. The protection plans provide coverage for the vehicle and third-party liability protection for the owner.
Each tier of the plan has a deductibleThe deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket for a covered loss when you file a claim., and the higher the deductible you’re willing to pay, the higher the percentage of the trip price you'll receive rather than Turo keeping it. Think of it like getting a reduced premiumThe payment required for an insurance policy to remain in force. Auto insurance premiums are quoted for either 6-month or annual policy periods. on your car insurance for carrying a higher deductible and taking on more of the risk. But in this case, you make more money by taking on that risk.
Owners can choose among three protection plans, as shown below.
| Coverage by plan | Owner’s percentage of trip price | Deductible | Third-party liability coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max protect | 70% | $250 | $750,000 |
| Balanced plan | 80% | $1,500 | $750,000 |
| Max earn plan | 90% | $2,750 | $750,000 |
How does Turo’s insurance work with personal or commercial policies?
Turo offers protection plans through Travelers for vehicle damage resulting from an at-fault accident during a trip. Although a renter doesn’t need personal auto insurance, their personal policy kicks in before the Turo protection plan if they have one, except in Maryland and New York, where state statutes override that. Owners need a commercial policy to cover car usage outside of a trip.
Turo insurance and personal auto insurance
In some cases, your personal auto insurance will extend to a rental car on Turo. If your personal coverage does extend, it will be the primary insurance used if you’re at fault in an accident. The Turo protection plan will be secondary coverage.
There are two states where state statutes override this: Maryland and New York. In New York, third-party liability is always primary, while in Maryland, it is primary unless the guest is using Turo as a replacement vehicle during repairs to their own vehicle.
Owners may have personal auto insurance to meet state requirements when the vehicle is not on a trip. However, most personal policies won’t cover business use, so owners may need a commercial policy.
You don’t need personal auto insurance to rent with Turo, and you don’t have to purchase a protection plan. However, you will be responsible for any vehicle damage that you cause, which can result in hefty out-of-pocket costs.
“On Turo, all guest trips automatically include third-party automobile liability insuranceLiability insurance covers sums that an insured becomes legally obligated to pay because of bodily injuries or property damage, or financial losses caused to other people. provided by Travelers for approved drivers at no additional cost,” said Jeff Platt, Turo’s Chief Insurance Officer. “Guests can also select a protection plan that limits their out-of-pocket responsibility in the event of physical damage to the vehicle during the trip, and do not need personal insurance coverage to rent on Turo.”
Commercial auto insurance for hosts
Since most insurers won’t cover a vehicle for business use on a personal policy, many hosts opt for commercial auto insurance, which provides coverage for business use. Policies are typically more expensive but offer a wider range of coverage and higher limits.
Hosts still need to register and insure their vehicle for use when not on a trip. Whether they are using the vehicle for personal reasons or taking it to the mechanic for an oil change, the car must have at least the minimum amount of required car insurance.
Turo hosts can also sign up for Tint insurance, an off-trip policy that covers the vehicle when it is not on a trip but is still in business use, such as going to the mechanic. However, this insurance doesn’t cover any personal use, so it should only be used for rental-only vehicles.
Which auto insurance carriers provide insurance for Turo users?
Although many insurers will extend a personal auto policy for a rental car, only a few insurers work closely with Turo.
As a Turo guest, you don’t need to shop around for insurance to cover you, since it’s provided automatically. However, you should check with your personal insurance company, if you have one, to confirm whether any coverage applies.
Insurance providers for Turo include:
- Travelers Excess and Surplus Lines Company for liability coverage
- Mobilitas Insurance Company offers supplemental liability insurance available in some states
- Tint, which created a policy specifically for Turo owners and offers business use coverage for owners
How to lower risks for Turo users
Whether you’re renting or hosting on Turo, you need to make sure you are protected in the event of an accident. Turo users can mitigate risks by carrying extra coverage, documenting any existing damage on the vehicle before the trip and verifying existing coverage.
Best practices for hosts
- Determine which level of protection plan best fits your needs
- Have additional insurance in place, whether it’s Tint or a commercial policy
- Take vehicle pictures before and after each booked drive to document any damage
- Keep the vehicle well-maintained to avoid accidents
Best practices for guests
- Verify if your personal car insurance policy covers peer-to-peer rentals like Turo to pay for any vehicle damage you cause
- Add a protection plan to your trip, especially if your personal policy doesn’t cover your rental
- Take pictures of the vehicle at the beginning of your trip for documentation
Coverage for Turo guests and hosts: The bottom line
Turo provides a platform for owners to rent out their vehicles and for renters to bypass traditional car rental companies. While Turo doesn’t offer auto insurance, it provides protection plans for both hosts and renters and automatically includes liability coverage through Travelers.
Hosts can add protection plans that provide reimbursement if their vehicle is damaged during a trip. Reimbursement amounts vary based on the percentage the host decides to take from the trip amount.
Renters can also add a protection plan that covers physical damage to the vehicle from an accident during a trip. Renters can opt out of protection plans, but will be responsible for any damages caused by an at-fault accident.
Although personal auto insurance may cover renters during a trip, they should contact their insurer first to understand how their policy works with peer-to-peer car rentals.
Resources & Methodology
Sources
Turo. “Insurance & protection at Turo.” Accessed March 2026
FAQ: Car insurance for Turo
Does my personal auto insurance cover me on Turo?
Your personal auto insurance may extend to Turo if you’re renting a car; check with your carrierAn insurance carrier is the company that provides your car insurance policy and pays claims. to confirm. However, personal coverage won’t cover you if you are a host renting your car. You’ll likely need commercial auto insurance.
Can I use a commercial auto insurance policy for Turo hosting?
Yes, a commercial auto insurance policy will cover your vehicle while hosting. Commercial policies cover vehicles for business use, but not for personal use, so the vehicle should be used solely for business if you choose a commercial policy.
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